The feat showcases the aircraft’s operational strength and the crew’s precision, achieved at a strategically important airbase in the Himalayas.
Published: November 7, 2026, 5:38 PM IST
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Indian Air Force IL-76MD has scripted history with a successful landing at NyomaImage Credit: @IAF_MCC/X
In a historic feat, a Russian-origin heavy-lift transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully landed at the Nyoma airbase in eastern Ladakh at an altitude of over 13,600 feet, achieving what the force described as the highest touchdown for the plane anywhere in the world.
The airbase is located at a distance of around 25 km from the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with ChinaThe IAF described the landing as an enduring capability of the aircraft backed by the “exceptional skill, precision and professionalism” of its crew.
“An Indian Air Force IL-76MD has scripted history with a successful landing at Nyoma, marking the highest-altitude landing ever achieved by the aircraft anywhere in the world,” the IAF said on social media.
13,629 FEETA NEW HEIGHT IN AVIATION HISTORY.
An Indian Air Force IL-76MD has scripted history with a successful landing at Nyoma, marking the highest-altitude landing ever achieved by the aircraft anywhere in the world.
A remarkable demonstration of the aircraft’s enduring capability, backed by the exceptional skill, precision, and professionalism of its crew.A milestone that reinforces India’s strategic airlift capability.
Pushing boundariesRedefining limitsMaking history.
#IndianAirForce #IAF #Nyoma #AviationHistory #IndianDefence
@DefenceMinIndia
@SpokespersonMoD
@HQ_IDS_India
@adgpi
@indiannavy
@CareerinIAF
@air_veterans— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) November 7, 2026
“A remarkable demonstration of the aircraft’s enduring capability, backed by the exceptional skill, precision, and professionalism of its crew,” it said.
The IAF said the touchdown was a “milestone” that reinforces India’s strategic airlift capabilityThe strategically significant air base, located at a height of 13,629 feet, was operationalised in November last yearThe airbase is capable of handling fighter jets, helicopters and transport planes.
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It was the fourth such air force base in LadakhThe three others are located in Leh, Kargil and ThoiseThe Kargil airstrip is located at an altitude of around 10,500 feetThe defence ministry has been focusing on enhancing infrastructure at almost all airfields along the LAC, including the Advanced Landing Grounds (ALGs) as per operational requirements.
It is also boosting infrastructure at Daulat Beg Oldi Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) in the Ladakh regionThe Daulat Beg Oldi ALG is located close to the LAC at an altitude of 16,700 feet and is known as the highest airfield in the world.
